[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 99 (Tuesday, June 10, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H2573-H2574]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE MEMORY OF SERGEANT CHARLES MARTIN

  (Mr. Haridopolos of Florida was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of Sergeant 
Charles Martin, a proud veteran of World War II and today's Brevard 
County June veteran nominee and honoree.
  Charles began his service in the merchant marine, bravely taking on 
the dangerous mission of guarding Allied shipping routes from prowling 
U-boats and Stuka dive-bombers.
  His commitment carried him across the globe from the Atlantic to the 
shores of Japan. There, he took part in the Allied occupation as a 
member of the 5th Air Force and, in his own words, had the incredible 
honor of being saluted by General Douglas MacArthur himself.

[[Page H2574]]

  Sergeant Martin was part of the Greatest Generation, a group of 
Americans who gave years to defend liberty and defeat tyranny. We owe 
it to them and to Charles to ensure their sacrifices are never 
forgotten.
  So, today, Mr. Speaker, we honor Sergeant Charles Martin, our good 
friend from Brevard County.


                   Recognizing Aviator Ava Hernandez

  Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Ava Hernandez, a 
recipient of the prestigious 2025 Ray Aviation Scholarship, an honor 
that will support her journey to earning a private pilot's license.
  Ava was nominated for this scholarship by the Brevard County 
Experimental Aircraft Association chapter in appreciation of her love 
for aviation, constant volunteer work, dedication to flight training, 
and her stellar academic performance.
  Ava's passion for aviation grew from her involvement in The 99th 
Squadron, a Brevard County-based nonprofit organization that exposes 
middle and high school students to the fundamentals of flight.
  Ava's commitment to aviation is truly admiral, and I thank those who 
have encouraged youth involvement in the industry, such as the EAA and 
The 99th Squadron, for shaping the next generation of pilots.
  Congratulations to Ava on her accomplishment, an honor well-earned.

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